If you've owned Labradors for any length of time, you'll know they can destroy a toy faster than most dogs can find one.
As breeders, we've seen puppies chew through soft toys, tennis balls, shoes, garden hoses and just about anything else they can get their mouths on. Choosing the right toys isn't just about keeping your puppy entertained. It's also about encouraging healthy chewing habits, reducing boredom and providing mental stimulation during those busy puppy months.
Here are the types of toys we recommend most often to new Labrador owners.
Chew Toys
Labrador puppies explore the world with their mouths.
During teething, they naturally want to chew. Providing suitable chew toys can save your furniture, shoes and hands from becoming the next target.
Look for:
- Durable rubber toys
- Puppy-safe chew toys
- Toys that can be stuffed with treats
- Products designed for growing teeth
Avoid toys that can easily break into small pieces or be swallowed. We recommend the Benebone Puppy Chew Toy Wishbone (Bacon Flavour) — it's durable, flavoured to keep puppies interested, and sized for growing mouths.
Food Enrichment Toys
One of the easiest ways to keep a Labrador puppy busy is to make them work for part of their daily food.
Food enrichment toys encourage natural problem-solving and can provide valuable mental stimulation.
We regularly suggest:
- Treat-dispensing toys
- Slow feeder devices
- Stuffable rubber toys
- Puzzle feeders
These can be especially helpful during rainy days or when puppies need calm indoor activities.
Soft Toys
Most Labrador puppies love carrying soft toys around the house.
Some puppies will happily cuddle them while others see them as a personal challenge to see how quickly they can remove the stuffing.
Soft toys can be great for play and comfort, but they generally don't last as long as heavy-duty rubber products.
Always supervise young puppies and remove damaged toys immediately.
Balls and Retrieving Toys
Retrieving comes naturally to many Labradors.
Simple games of fetch can help build confidence and create positive training opportunities.
Choose balls and retrieving toys that are:
- Large enough not to be swallowed
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for your puppy's age and size
Remember that exercise should be moderate for young puppies while their joints are still developing.
Toys That Usually Don't Last
After raising Labradors for many years, there are a few categories that regularly disappoint owners:
- Cheap plush toys
- Low-quality tennis balls
- Toys with weak stitching
- Thin plastic toys
- Toys designed for small breeds
While some puppies may be gentle, most Labradors eventually test a toy's durability. Sticking with quality brands like Benebone makes a real difference in longevity.
Our Advice
There isn't one perfect toy for every Labrador puppy.
A combination of chew toys, enrichment toys and retrieving toys tends to work best. Rotating toys throughout the week can also help keep them interesting and reduce boredom.
The puppies we raise at Sumapark generally enjoy toys that challenge them mentally while also satisfying their natural urge to retrieve and chew.
Choosing quality products from the beginning often saves money in the long run and provides a safer experience for your puppy. Our New Puppy Essentials Bundle is a great way to get everything your new puppy needs in one go.
Written by Toby & Chantelle Webb
Toby and Chantelle Webb are the owners of Sumapark Labradors in Orange, NSW. With years of experience breeding and raising Labrador Retrievers, they are passionate about helping Labrador owners make informed decisions through practical, real-world advice based on their experience with the breed.